Poland Cancels UAV Contract After Delays

The Polish Ministry of Defence has cancelled a contract concluded in 2010 with the Israeli company Aeronautics Defense Systems for the supply of medium-range unmanned aircraft after the company failed to meet deadlines, in spite of their postponement for two years. ADS won the contract in 2010 under the so-called urgent operational requirement procedure. In addition, two other Israeli companies competed for the tender: Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit. Aeronautics Company was to provide two systems, each comprising four aircraft and two ground control stations. A temporary solution was negotiated by the department at the beginning of last year, according to which the manufacturer would provide its unmanned aircraft in Afghanistan as a leased service. A set of loaned aircraft was to be provided to Polish troops for one year, comprising four aircraft, transmission systems, control and support services. Currently, ground reconnaissance imagery from unmanned aerial vehicles is provided to Polish troops in Afghanistan by the Americans.